[Richard King Mellon Foundation](https://www.rkmf.org)

Rolling (General Application)

Most grants are for 12–18 months; $27.1M awarded across 66 grants in 2024; award size varies by project.

Supports workforce skills, job creation, entrepreneurship, and community vibrancy in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties.

Applications must focus on economic development in Allegheny or Westmoreland counties, regardless of applicant location.

--- ## Description The Economic Development Program of the Richard King Mellon Foundation aims to catalyze regional economic growth and vitality by investing in the ingenuity and creativity of residents, enhancing individual prosperity, and strengthening community ties in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties. The program targets three main investment areas: - **Talent Development:** Advancing education and workforce training for adults (18+) to prepare for the new economy, emphasizing 21st-century skills, career pathways, and industry partnerships. - **Employment Opportunities:** Expanding access to jobs in the innovation economy, supporting entrepreneurship, and assisting gig and independent workers. - **Community Building:** Supporting projects that improve quality of life, including investments in arts and culture, innovation districts, and infrastructure. The Foundation is particularly interested in proposals that build skills, create career pathways, foster business and job creation, and enhance the region’s vibrancy and livability. --- ## Due Dates - **General Application:** Rolling submission; proposals can be submitted at any time. - **Requests for Proposals (RFPs):** Issued periodically with separate deadlines (see program page for current RFPs). --- ## Funding Amount - Most grants are for a period of 12–18 months. - In 2024, 66 grants and investments totaling $27,141,090 were awarded under this program. - Award size varies; both general operating and project-specific support are available. - Multi-year grants are generally not provided at this time. --- ## Eligibility - **Geographic Focus:** Projects must focus on economic development in Allegheny and/or Westmoreland counties, Pennsylvania. - Applicants may be based anywhere in the United States, but the project’s impact must be within the target counties. - **Eligible Applicants:** Nonprofits with a valid U.S. IRS Tax ID, public sector entities, and for-profit companies incorporated in the U.S. - Fiscal sponsors are permitted. - Postsecondary and research institutions are eligible, but general operating and indirect expense support is not available for them. - **Ineligible:** Individuals, organizations not incorporated in the U.S., and projects not impacting the specified counties. - **Other Restrictions:** No funding for lobbying, advocacy, or political activities; regranting to individuals is not allowed. --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** All applicants should use the [General Application portal](https://www.rkmf.org/apply/?app=orgeffectiveness); proposals are accepted year-round. - **RFPs:** Periodically, specific RFPs are posted with their own guidance and deadlines. - **Required Steps:** - Verify tax status and eligibility. - Review the Foundation’s [Strategic Plan](https://www.rkmf.org/about/2021-2030-strategic-plan/) and program priorities. - Prepare proposal aligning with program focus and clearly articulate the impact on Allegheny/Westmoreland counties. - For collaborations, provide signed MOUs or letters of support. - **Review Timeline:** No fixed review period; confirmation of receipt is sent immediately after submission. - **Support Types:** Capital support, general operating support (except for postsecondary/research institutions), land acquisition, and project support. --- ## Additional Information - **Indirect Expenses:** Allowed for eligible organizations (not postsecondary/research institutions); no recommended direct/indirect cost ratio. - **Technical Assistance:** Allowed if working with pre-identified partners. - **Declined Applications:** Inquiries may be submitted via email, but responses are not guaranteed due to volume. - **Program Officer Meetings:** Generally not available prior to submission; questions may be directed to the Foundation’s email. --- ## External Links - [Program Page](https://www.rkmf.org/funding-programs/economic-development) - [General Application Portal](https://www.rkmf.org/apply/?app=orgeffectiveness) - [Strategic Plan (2021–2030)](https://www.rkmf.org/about/2021-2030-strategic-plan/) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.rkmf.org/apply/?app=orgeffectiveness#faqs) - [Current RFPs](https://www.rkmf.org/funding-programs/economic-development/#area4-more) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |--------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [rkmf@rkmf.org](mailto:rkmf@rkmf.org) | | Grants Manager Support | Nikki Pirain, [npirain@rkmf.org](mailto:npirain@rkmf.org) | | Phone | (412) 392-2800 | | Online Contact Form | [Contact Page](https://www.rkmf.org/contact/) |

Economic Development Program

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